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Bengali proverbs and their echoes in far cultures. The Meditating Cat is a collection of more than 1400 proverbs. The book brings alive the setting and social milieu of the proverbs in a broad and light context, rather than by an academic approach. Off-colour proverbs that cannot be said in polite company have been left out. Thus, this book is suitable for readers of all ages. The entries in the (E) category have been gathered from a wide variety of sources, representing English-speaking as well as many other cultures. The idea is to create an atmosphere where the Bengali proverbs are being served at one store in an international food court with many stores from many cultures with different languages. The images in the book, likewise, help create for the reader a certain mood. Whatever is the reader's national and cultural background, whatever the life experience, he or she may be able to taste here something of the Bengali life while harkening back to the reader's own culture, and hearing wonderful echoes. It is not essential to know the Bengali language to enjoy this book. Thus, it is suitable for a very general readership. The reader with at least a beginner's knowledge of the Bengali language can enjoy the book even more fully.

A Nice Surprise

I am known amongst my friends and family as a bit of a linguist but it still came as a bit of a surprise to be given this as a birthday present. Bengali! What do I know about Bengali? But it turned out to be a lovely surprise. The proverbs really do give a flavour of the culture which I find entertaining and enticing. If you are someone who really enjoys the written word, whatever language its origin, then you will find this a pleasurable way to spend your time.